U.S. Rep. Tim Holden: 'Can't worry about Republican challenger'

Christine Baker, The Patriot-NewsU.S. Rep. Tim HoldenBlue Dog Democrat Tim Holden (D-Schuykill) has walked a legislative tightrope over the years in his swing district, so Holden said he's not losing any sleep about a possible 2010 challenge by state Sen. Dave Argall.

"It's not a safe seat one way or another, so I can't worry about that. That rumor's been going around for awhile,'' Holden said.

PoliticsPa reporter Alex Roarty wrote Tuesday that Republican insiders say Argall is likely to run, pointing to voter-turnout scenarios that could make Argall a tougher opponent for Holden than previous challengers.

"One Republican insider from the district said Schuylkill County
voters are most interested in voting for a local politician,
irrespective of ideology. He said, at minimum, Argall could attract 45
percent of the vote there, a share much higher than previous Republican
candidates,'' said PoliticsPa, adding: "Splitting the vote in Schuylkill County, while winning conservative
areas like Lebanon, Perry and northern Berks County, is more than
enough to defeat Holden, he said."

The Executive Director of the Pennsylvania State Democratic Party, Mary P. Isenhour, said Holden's seat is considered safe.

"Because of Tim's hard work on behalf of the people of the 17th Congressional District and his accessibility to his constituents (I love that the guy comes home EVERY weekend!), the Pennsylvania Democratic Party does not consider this to be a vulnerable seat,'' Isenhour said.

"The rumors about Mr. Argall's interest in this seat surfaced before he was a candidate for the seat he currently holds. As far as we are concerned and until Mr. Argall indicates otherwise, we will assume that he will not abandon the office he was just elected to less than a year ago.''